This chapter will look at some of the specific differences that exist between rivers and canals. The differences between canals and rivers are summarised below:
River: Channel:
Natural waterway A constructed waterway (engineering structure)
Running water Still water
Changing water level Fixed level
No locks Locks
Usually many bends Usually few bends
The above differences are general and do not always apply. The Pannerdens kanaal, for example, has the character of a river. Another example of an exception: a canalised river does have locks.